Over the past two and a half years Audiotree Live (audiotree.tv) has built a unique and incredibly artist friendly platform for music discovery through high quality streaming sessions. One of the Chicago based media, management, and promotion company’s many goals includes producing the best sounding and looking in-studio sessions anywhere in the world, while at the same time providing artists payment generated from the sale and purchase of these sessions. Increasingly, Audiotree Live has become a go to stopover for bands touring through the mid-west.
In their biggest concert promotion project yet, this summer Audiotree Live is hosting the inaugural Audiotree Live Music Festival in Kalamazoo, MI. The one-day outdoor festival will feature two stages and 15 acts performing at Wings Stadium on August 31. Performers include Dr. Dog, Blues Traveler, Brother Ali, Greensky Bluegrass, Into it. Over it., Hostage Calm and more (Full line up and ticketing information available at www.audiotreemusicfestival.com).
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with  Audiotree president and founder Michael Johnston to discuss the festival.  This is what he said…
The roster for the event is fairly diverse.  Who curated the event and what kind of audience are you hoping to capture?
Seth Fein of the Nicodemus Agency and I curated the event.  We are expecting a very diverse crowd ranging from high school and college kids to older adults and families that enjoy quality music of all different genres.  Audiotree ( www.Audiotree.tv ) is a company that works with all kinds of musicians and genres and we wanted our first Festival to reflect that.   
Kids under 12 a free so this is intended to be a family event, correct?
Yes. Kids under 12 will be allowed into the park for FREE as long as they accompanied by their parents.  We are aiming to make this a friendly environment for all ages and we will have entertainment and specific activities to entertain all ages.  
Are all of the bands who are playing the event bands that have done Audiotree Sessions?
No.  Half of the bands have performed on Audiotree Live and we hope that the other half will perform in the near future.  Our goal in the future is to have a festival consisting of only bands that have played on Audiotree Live.  But we are not into the idea of painting ourselves in a corner.  If we think a band would be perfect for the festival but they have not played on Audiotree Live we would certainly welcome them with open arms.     
Which of the bands participating in the event are you most excited about?
That is probably the toughest question to answer.  I personally love all the bands.  But because I am not going to dodge the question, I will truthfully answer:  I am personally most excited to see Valient Thorr perform their new material ( they just released their new album in June )  However if you asked each member of our team you would have a different answer from each person.  
Will performances taking place at the concert be filmed for future distribution/fan enjoyment?
We do plan on filming the concert.  Any footage we capture (that is approved) will be available for those to watch for free through our website.  Filming concerts is something we do very well and we are looking forward to capturing the first ever Audiotree Festival on film.  We may even be streaming the concert live but we need to sell enough tickets to guarantee that.  We definitely have the capability to do so in house.  
How did Audiotree decide that Kalamazoo was the right location for the festival?  Will this be the location of the event in the future if all goes as planned?
We decided to throw the festival in Kalamazoo for several reasons.  
1)  We are based out of Chicago and Chicago doesn’t need another festival.
2)  The founders of Audiotree grew up in Kalamazoo
3)  Kalamazoo sits 2 hours from Chicago, 2 hours from Detroit and 1 hour from Michigan State, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, and Central Michigan University. 
Will there be Bells Brewery beer for sale at the event?
Yes, Bells Brewery will definitely be sold at the event.  It wouldnt be a Kalamazoo event without Bells Beer.  
When does pre-sale for tickets end?
Pre Sale for the event is over.  You can buy tickets at www.Audiotreemusicfestival.com 
Ticket prices go up starting in August so I suggest everyone buy now.  
If one is wanting to volunteer or become a member of the street team for the event, who would they contact and what kind of work would they be doing?
We welcome the help.  Email us at info@audiotree.tv if you would like to become a street team member.  All members will get into the festival for free as well as a few other secret benefits. 
Audiotree is also doing a Lollapalooza pre-show party in Chicago, right?  What are the details of that event?
Yes, we are very excited to be the Title sponsor for Nelarusky featuring Imagine Dragons, Icona Pop, Kellen & Me, Brick & Mortar.  It is the only Official Lollapalooza pre show in Chicago.  Unfortunately it sold out in 5 minutes but there are VIP tickets on Pledgemusic.com and Contest give aways at the Nelarusky Facebook page.  We are proud sponsors because all proceeds benefit the Illinois Special Olympics.  
(To view past sessions and learn more about Audiotree Live as a company visit audiotree.tv.)